How to Survive a Blizzard in the Midwest

Happy New Year's Eve!  I'm writing from our hotel in Fargo, North Dakota, happy to be standing on solid ground after one of the most harrowing driving experiences of my life.  My husband and I left Minneapolis yesterday afternoon, only to drive straight into the eye of an amazing winter storm.  We drove for 3 hours in near zero visibility, passed cars, trucks and trailers in snow-filled ditches, and at one of the worst points, watched the car in front of us (who's tail lights we were using to guide us) slip straight into the ditch without any warning.  It was truly God's gracious hand that brought us into Fargo last night, and although we are severely disappointed that we won't be making it on to our final destination (my hometown in Regina, Canada) today, I am grateful for the provisions of a warm hotel room, a husband who is a pro at keeping a clear head in tough situations, and most of all, our safety.  So here we are, stranded between interstate highways that remain closed, looking for ways to make the most of this New Year's, although I'm sure it will be memorable all on its own.

I mentioned here that Mr. CottageModern and I have a tradition of collecting a new penguin each year as a cute little gesture to our marriage because penguins "mate for life".  Since I can't think of a better person to be stranded with in a winter snowstorm, I thought I'd pay tribute to this small collection, who just happen to be all dressed up in their little "tuxedos", ready to ring in the new year!

This one's my favorite--its actually a little snow-globe :)

Here's to a safe and happy New Year's!  Whether you're getting all dressed up and ready to celebrate, or just spending a quiet night at home with family and friends, I hope this is a time to look back and be thankful for the blessings of this past year, and also look forward to all the excitement and adventure that 2011 will bring. 

Home Is Where the Heart Is

This Christmas, the plans were to spend it with my husband's family here in Minnesota.  I've been away from my family for the holidays before, but this year was more difficult than some, as my heart was feeling that "home" was back in Canada.    We all have holiday traditions, and while they may not be spectacular or out of the ordinary, they're unique to us, and have shaped our perspectives in some way or another.  That said, I felt like this year, I was looking for something that would give me a sense of tradition and solidarity--something that would give me the feeling of "home" away from home. 

I'm grateful for all that has happened this Christmas Day, and for the wonderful "Minnesota" family I've been blessed with.  I've realized that it only takes a moment for a new tradition to be born, and in those moments we can discover that our true sense of home lies within the relationships and the love we have as family.  This year, Christmas Eve was filled with the beautiful reminder of Why we celebrate this season, and the Hope we have in Christ's coming to earth as a baby.  We enjoyed a feast of Swedish pancakes--a great and tasty tradition that my husband's family has carried on for years.  Perhaps the most meaningful part of this holiday though, was joining together as a family, along with other friends, to provide Christmas dinner for the homeless--people who are truly without a traditional "home", but were able to benefit from a sense of community and celebration on this very special day.

I'm honored and humbled to say that the events of today have changed my perspective on what home truly is, and I've realized that home can be many places and many things.  However, its the relationships we have that truly shape our perspectives and our traditions, and have the ability to truly guide our hearts home.

 Merry Christmas 2010 to all.......enjoy all that "home" is to you, and have a wonderful week of celebration!

Merry Christmas To Me.......From Stella & Dot!

Christmas came early for me this year in the form of a beautiful shipment of Stella & Dot jewelery.  I recently joined this wonderful company as a stylist, and think it will nicely compliment my current full-time career in interior design, as well as give me a chance to meet new people.  It took a while for me to commit to the idea of direct sales, but when I saw the product, as well as met some of the wonderful stylists in my area, it was obvious that this was "the thing for me".  I'm proud to sell beautifully designed and quality pieces, as well as support a company who has all of their "ducks in a row".  I'm also a sucker for graphic design, marketing and promotional material, so when I got my first shipment and saw all of the beautiful packaging and attention to detail, I was over the moon!  I haven't had my first official party yet, but had a HUGE gala/launch planned for December 11th.  Unfortunately, the weather that day had other ideas, and the Twin Cities, Minnesota was hit with the snowstorm of the century.......Metrodome roof collapse, anyone?  Needless to say, the party had to be postponed until after the holidays, which is kind of a disappointment, because it was a great time for holiday gift-buying.  Fortunately, I have a very encouraging group of friends (you know who you are :)), who are just as pumped about these jewels as I am, and are supportive and excited about a January launch.  I do want to spread the word before then though, so here are a few of my favorites for 'Styling the Season':

Audrey Cluster Bracelet

This piece dresses up any outfit, and makes you feel so glam and "fancy".  I wore it the other day, and felt fabulous!

Anastasia Brooch

This piece is made of hand-dipped silk, with a gorgeous stack of jewels in the center.  Its dramatic and delicate at the same time, and looks even more impressive in person.

Signature Clover Chandelier Earrings

These sterling silver beauties are just enough to complete an outfit--they are classic with a bit of an edge.

La Coco Brooch Necklace

Pearl & Pave Rope Necklace (layered with La Coco)

This necklace is so versatile, and looks great with a simple black sweater.  Its a necklace, bracelet, and brooch in one, and can be made into so many different looks.  The second photo shows it in silver with the Pearl & Pave Rope necklace clipped in.  So many possibilities!

Those are a few of my favorites, but there are many more--too many to post!  I was so excited to launch these jewels that I designed and sent out this invitation (sorry for the grainy I-phone shot):

 I'm still very excited though, and hope to have a very successful launch in January.  If you're interested in purchasing any of these (or other) fabulous Stella & Dot items, click here.

My House At Christmas

I mentioned in this post that I was abandoning my somewhat traditional roots to go with a scheme of turquoise, chartreuse green and silver in my holiday decorating.  Here's how it turned out:

 

That turquoise patterned pillow was a total fluke--I purchased it randomly last time I was in Canada  (I loved the color and pattern), and lucky for me, it looks super with the rest of my "stuff".

This mantle is verging on cluttered, but I love it.....the  more sparkle the better at Christmas, I say!  That feathered wreath is one of my proudest purchases in the past few months--I found it on an end aisle at Michaels for $3.99!  So of course I bought two :)

I have a little obsession with mercury glass.  I love how it can go with either gold or silver, and can have a warm or cool cast depending on what its placed with.  It works well when I'm an indecisive decorator!

 

And finally, here's our "penguin of the year" for 2010.  Every year since we got married, my husband and I buy a new penguin to celebrate another Christmas together.  Penguins mate for life, so we think its a clever and suitable tradition to carry on.  This guy is one of my favorites, purchased from West Elm.  It looks like origami, but is actually ceramic!

So there's my Christmas holiday tour.  The cool, frosty tones of my living room don't seem out of place at all with the piles of snow and cold going on outside......cheers to this Minnesota winter!

Color in Kitchens

All of the many Christmas schemes have me thinking color, color, color.  Normally, my preference when it comes to most things is white on white on white on white on white on white......(you get the idea), but I love an injection of color here and there to add an element of the unexpected.  That said, here are a rainbow of kitchens that definitely aren't shy when it comes to unconventional life and color.  I couldn't live with this look long-term, but definitely love the eye candy that these spaces offer.

 Source

Red lacquer with a nod to an Asian influence--love how daring this is, yet so pulled together and deliberate.

Source

This citrus-injected kitchen was featured on HGTV's Bang for you Buck, which showcases clever (and some not-so-clever) homeowners who renovate their space for a specific dollar amount.  If I remember correctly, the homeowners who created this mod kitchen were criticized for the "too design-specific" hits of orange they used.  I think its brilliant though--the high-gloss orange adds just the right amount of punch, and speaks to the mid-century flavor of the rest of the home.  Well done!

image via casahaus

via Canadian House & Home

For me, the idea of a yellow kitchen conjures up images of the "harvest gold" appliances I grew up with.  While I would find a soft cream more livable than all over yellow, the bright lemony pops in these photos add an unexpected, yet tasteful hit.  If you're daring enough to invest in a colored appliance, click here to see the full range of gorgeous hues Bertazzoni has to offer.

Coastal Living

This apple green kitchen is fun on so many different levels!  I love the mix of modern and traditional elements (where can I get some of those counter stools?), and the alphabet lettering on the glass doors.  Not to mention the "christmasy" color scheme....perfect for this season!

Miles Redd via House Beautiful

Speaking of green, I couldn't leave this one out--so much drama in such a tiny space!

image via Storibook Designs

Lynn Morgan Design

Turquoise has become so synonymous with blue I can't even think "blue" without first thinking "aqua".  That first kitchen is the ultimate in commitment--what a bold hue, and used so liberally throughout the space--beautifully done.  If you're like me though, the glossy pop of turquoise in the second kitchen is just enough to make a statement, but keep me from tiring of this popular color.

Miles Redd

There's so much mystery and depth to the color indigo, yet there's a gentlemanly, traditional feel to it.  Both of the above kitchens are "go big or go home" on this inky shade, yet there's a very serene, understated luxury here. 

McGill Design Group

I recall seeing that violet kitchen in an issue of Canadian House & Home at least five years ago (if not longer).  Yet despite its deliberate color choice, this beautifully designed space still looks current and very unique.  The second photo is also shown here, and is seriously daring.  I'd love to know how the designer convinced the clients that this was the "right" design for the space.  Or maybe the clients had to convince the designer!

The Topless Kitchen

Kitchens without upper cabinets are not a new trend, but they certainly are a good one. Many designers and homeowners have become attached to the idea that a kitchen without uppers won't afford nearly enough storage, and in the process have overlooked the many clever solutions that can offer a ton of great storage elsewhere in the kitchen. Check out these beautiful de-cabinetized kitchens that that show the many advantages of going "topless".

1. Hello daylight. Foregoing upper cabinets can allow for large windows with spectacular views to the backyard and beyond. So striking!

image via Canadian House & Home

image via Canadian House & Home

2. Empty wall space provides an opportunity for an artful composition of everyday items, or a display of collections and objects that don't deserve to be hidden behind closed doors.

Canadian House & Home

Amoroso Design

3. The absence of upper cabinets is often synonymous with modern design. However, clean lines and an uncluttered, edited look can lend themselves to both contemporary and traditional settings. The view to the outdoors is breathtaking in the second photo. Check out more photos of this house here.

Credit

superkul

So what do you think? With all of these gorgeous examples to inspire you, would you go topless?

No Dreaming Necessary......We'll have our "White" Christmas

What a day this Saturday has been.  The city woke up to blizzard-like conditions, and the white stuff hasn't let up even one tiny bit.  At first, I was disappointed--I had a Christmas gala and Stella & Dot jewelry launch party planned for weeks that had to be canceled--I was so looking forward to it!  However, being cooped up for the day turned out to be a blessing in disguise.  I managed to get a ton of stuff done, and put some of the finishing touches on my Christmas decor.  This year, I went with an unconventional color scheme using turquoise, shades of chartreuse green, and silver.  It looks pretty with all of my regular decor, so I like it.  I'm kind of a traditionalist at heart though, and had to use a great deal of restraint to keep from allowing all of my beautiful red and white pieces to creep in.  I managed to keep those colors out of the spotlight, but was delighted to stumble across these photos from one of our previous Christmases in our former home.  No shortage of traditional color here, and I love it.

 

Love these colored foil initials from Restoration Hardware.  I've used them in other projects throughout my home.

Other favorites that play on traditional Christmas themes......

I love that shot of the tall vase with the glass balls in it--as you can see, we were without base moulding that Christmas :)  A designer's work in her own home is never done......shorty after though, we installed glorious 7" high white trim--it was worth waiting for.

I think that candy dish had way more M & M's before started the photo shoot.....hmmmmm.....:)

This little guy is as old as me.  As far back as I can remember, its been on my parent's tree, and I managed to snag it for my own when I moved out.  I love the vintage ribbon candy look--does anyone know where I could get my hands on some of the real stuff?  Its so pretty to look at, and eat!

I made this wreath by spraying one of those brown willow-like wreaths in crisp white.  Then I added some red, silver and clear glass balls, and ended up with a simple but striking adornment for my black front door.  I still love the look of this, and it just may have creeped in to my turquoise-themed decor this year.  Wait and see....!

These primitive little nativity pieces were made by a dear friend, and given to me as a gift.  I love the simplicity and rusticity of this set up, and how it is a clear and simple reminder of the true reason we celebrate this season.  When all the glitz and glam and red and green are put away, and thoughts of Christmas are packed up in boxes for next year, the message of this nativity remains....a tiny baby, born to save the world.

Hope you're Christmas season is turning out to be merry & bright....happy decorating!

Can Your Kitchen be Saved? Kitchen Facelifts with MAJOR style

Its a well-known fact that kitchens and bathrooms are the most expensive rooms to renovate.  Not to mention the months of "up-rootedness" one feels when in the midst of having to live without one of these necessary spaces.  I recently lived through a kitchen remodel myself, and while I enjoy the process, washing dishes in a laundry sink, cooking dinner in a microwave (although I'll admit, we went out WAY too often) got old fast.  So is there any other way?  For me, there just wasn't, but many homeowners have kitchens that function well and have salvageable cabinetry, but are just low on style and modern convenience.  I would love to design everyone out there a kitchen full of brand-spankin' new cabinets with all the bells and whistles, but let's be honest, just because you need an update, this is not always in the budget.  That said, I've been seriously impressed with some of the kitchen facelifts I've seen recently.  There are some talented and creative people out there who have the ability to transform their spaces--even on a budget.  Here are some amazing makeovers that didn't break the bank:

 

Source

This was the kitchen that got me started on my quest for great "face-lifters".  I mean seriously is this even the same space?  It looks brand new!  Click here for more details and product sources. 

Why this facelift works:

It is dripping with creativity and vision, and works because it re-uses all of the existing cabinetry and adds elements like crown moulding and a V-groove ceiling to better integrate the kitchen with this older home.  Where the shorter height of the uppers might have been an issue, the homeowner cleverly added open shelving to bridge the gap and provide even more storage.  Now the kitchen looks like it belongs in that house--that last photo is such a beauty!

Who this works for:

-Homeowners with cabinetry that is in good shape and has a style that is simple enough to transform with paint

-Cabinets that have enough life left in them to justify the expense of new stone/wood countertops

-A kitchen that is already laid out well

-Appliance openings that are "standard" in size and can easily be fitted with new stainless models

 

A Well-Dressed Home via Emily A. Clark

This is an outstanding facelift--I've looked at it many times, and still go back wondering how that could be the same space, and the same cabinets!

Why this facelift works:

The original kitchen had fallen prey to the natural maple trend (no more, please!), but the cabinets were in good shape, and had some great decorative door detail that is actually accentuated in a painted finish.  Plus, the style was simple enough to copy, and by adding new glass door cabinets that run to the ceiling, the new space looks so tailored and proud.  Not to mention the talented designer, Emily Hewitt, who pulled this all together

Who this works for:

-Again, cabinets that are in good shape with a great door style--I love how the "pillowed" door really pops when painted white

-Kitchens with basic stainless steel appliances that don't need replacing.  I had to look twice to make sure they were the original ones--they look much more expensive in the new kitchen

-Cabinetry that has no existing hardware--it makes it easy to choose new ones without having to work with or fill the holes that are normally there

-Homeowners who are willing to spend a little money to add new lighting.  That new kitchen sparkles thanks to improved ceiling and under-cabinet lighting.

 

Pure Style Home

You probably recognize this beautiful interior from designer Lauren Liess at Pure Style Home.  She really is a mastermind at creating great space by using what you have and making it work for your lifestyle.  I've been a huge fan for a while now!

Why this facelift works:

The look created here is consistent, deliberate, and carried through the entire space.  At the same time, it is unfitted, casual, and fits the lifestyle of the family who lives there.  Making this look work is not an easy feat, and its success is due to the trained and talented eye of a designer.  The palate of soothing greens and creams is anchored by hits of black, and softened by natural elements.  All of the existing appliances and fixtures were maintained (even the countertops are the same!), but somehow it all looks fresh and new, and like it was "planned" to be that way.  Brilliant, if you ask me.

Who this works for:

-Creative geniuses who aren't afraid to try unconventional elements (like a chalkboard-painted fridge), and are confident that they can carry out their vision and make the look work for them

-Homeowners who like open shelving, and have the eye and discipline to keep their dish collections looking neat and well put together at all times

-Kitchens that have decent bones, but a tight budget and need to keep fixture locations where they are to save cost

Looks like I've "commented" enough here....these spaces really do speak for themselves.  If you're reading this, and have photos/links to other classy and wonderful transformations that are out there, please send them my way.  Even though I love new things (doesn't everyone ;)), I'm so inspired by people who can work with what they have and make it beautiful.